Updated Adaptation ¡FIGARO! (90210) Bows Tomorrow Off-Broadway

Following recent political clashes over U.S. immigration policy and border control, ¡Figaro! (90210) will be back at The Duke on 42nd Street, a New 42nd Street project (229 West 42nd Street). With a unique blend of uproarious comedy and biting social commentary, the three-week run of this critically-acclaimed production celebrates diversity and equality, and coincides with the end of the new president's first 100 days in office.

This adaptation of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro blends the original score with a new English (and Spanglish) libretto by Vid Guerrerio and recasts the title character and his fiancée as undocumented Mexican workers in a mansion of a Beverly Hills real estate mogul and his actress wife. Combining the original score with fresh, pop-culture references and up-to-the-minute slang, librettist Guerrerio gives Mozart a contemporary kick with this amped-up, pared-down two-and-a-half hour musical that infuses the timeless comedy of the original with an especially timely political relevance.

Maestro Placido Domingo raved about the show and said, "I love ¡Figaro! (90210). Hands down, it's the best operatic update I have seen!"

¡Figaro! (90210) is directed by Melissa Crespo, with music direction by Raphael Fusco and choreography by Stephanie Card.

Over two-hundred years since the premiere of Mozart's inspiration, a 1784 comedy by Pierre Beaumarchais that lampooned the ruling classes, ¡Figaro! (90210) updates the politics to invite a closer examination of America as a country of and for immigrants, as well as the ways in which race and class continue to challenge the principles of equality and opportunity upon which the country was founded.

This production had its NYC concert premiere in 2013, a sold-out run with LA Opera in January 2015, and played a NYC staged premiere in March 2016 to capacity houses.

In order to share the work's powerful message of social justice, the producers will be partnering with Sing for Hope to provide free tickets to the show for the organization's community network, with a focus on immigrant communities traditionally underserved by the classical arts.

Sing for Hope founder, daughter of Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and renowned soprano Monica Yunus explains, "For 200 years, The Marriage of Figaro has championed the ideals of equality and inclusion that are at the heart of Sing for Hope's mission. We are excited to be partnering with ¡Figaro! (90210) to help the diverse communities of New York experience the transformative power of the arts through this topical and entertaining update of a classic."

Reprising their roles from the original 2016 New York run are José Adán Pérez and Samarie Alicea as the title character and his fiancée Susana, as well as Luke Scott and Raquel Suarez Groen as Paul & Roxanne Conti. They will be joined by newcomer Christin Byrdsong, in the role of Li'l B-Man, alongside a full cast of returning performers who reflect the increasingly diverse demographics of the United States.

Sets are designed by Steven C. Kemp, with costumes designed by Lux Haac and lighting designed by Gina Scheer.

Since 2006, Sing for Hope's arts outreach programs have brought hope and inspiration to thousands of individuals in under-resourced schools, public hospitals, hospices, veterans' centers, after-school programs, neighborhood centers, nursing homes, and disability networks. To date, Sing for Hope has partnered with over 250 nonprofit organizations, involved over 3,500 artists in community volunteerism, and placed over 335 artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos throughout NYC's parks and public spaces for everyone to play - a symbol and celebration of art for all. Learn more at www.singforhope.org.

Founded in 1990, the NEW 42ND STREET is an independent non-profit organization charged with the continuous cultural revival of 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Committed to the transformational power of the arts, the NEW 42ND STREET builds on the foundation of seven historic theaters to make extraordinary performing arts and cultural engagement a part of everyone's life. The NEW 42ND STREET fulfills this purpose by ensuring the ongoing vibrancy of 42nd Street's historic theaters; maintaining and fully using the NEW 42ND STREET Studios and The Duke on 42nd Street to support performing artists in the creation of their work; and through The New Victory Theater, New York's premier theater for kids and families.

The Duke on 42nd Street is an intimate black-box performance space in the heart of the theater district, which is available for rental to both nonprofit and commercial organizations. Featuring a gallery along all four walls and a custom, state-of-the-art seating system, The Duke on 42nd Street is a fully-staffed facility that offers full light, sound, and support systems in various configurations. Some performing arts companies have called The Duke on 42nd Street their home, including Primary Stages, Transport Group, Theatre for a New Audience and Lincoln Center Theater LCT3, while other acclaimed companies have performed on its stage, including The Royal Court Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater Company, Armitage Gone! Dance, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Naked Angels, Classical Theater of Harlem and the National Theater of Great Britain.

Photo by Maria Baranova